ZACH GALIFIANAKIS (Alan) most recently starred opposite Will Ferrell in "The Campaign," director Jay Roach's hit comedy about political rivals.

Prior to that, Galifianakis reprised his role as Alan in the 2011 hit "The Hangover Part II," the follow-up to director Todd Phillips' international blockbuster comedy "The Hangover." In 2011, he also lent his voice to the animated comedy "Puss in Boots," alongside Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek, and appeared in the family musical comedy "The Muppets," with Jason Segel.

Among his upcoming projects, Galifianakis will next be seen in writer/director Matthew Weiner's comedy "You Are Here," alongside Owen Wilson and Amy Poehler. He will also star with Emma Stone, Edward Norton and Naomi Watts in Alejandro GonzĂ lez Inarritu's "Birdman," which is currently in production.

His recent work also includes reuniting with Phillips for "Due Date," opposite Robert Downey Jr.; starring in "It's Kind of a Funny Story," which premiered at the 2010 Toronto Film Festival; and starring with Steve Carell and Paul Rudd in the Jay Roach comedy "Dinner for Schmucks."

Galifianakis moved to New York City after failing his last college course by one point at North Carolina State University. He got his start performing his brand of humor in the back of a hamburger joint in Times Square, graduating to doing stand-up at night in clubs and coffee houses in the city. While working as a bus boy, he got his first acting job on the NBC sitcom "Boston Common."

His additional film credits include the Jerry Bruckheimer-produced hit "G-Force"; the indie feature "Youth in Revolt," with Michael Cera, Steve Buscemi and Ray Liotta; a cameo in Jason Reitman's Oscar-nominated film "Up in the Air"; "Comedians of Comedy," a documentary that follows four underground comics; and the critically acclaimed true-life drama "Into the Wild," from director Sean Penn.

On the small screen, Galifianakis also starred as Roy Hueston in the HBO comedy series "Bored to Death," with Jason Schwartzman and Ted Danson. In addition, he hosted the critically acclaimed VH1 talk show "Late World with Zach," and also wrote and starred in "Dog Bites Man" for Comedy Central.

Galifianakis has an internet talk show entitled "Between Two Ferns," on which he has interviewed such guests as Steve Carell, Natalie Portman, Conan O'Brien and Charlize Theron.